City officials release part of their plan to implement five ballot measures that were approved by voters Nov. 3 and take effect Sunday.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inMaine
State to demolish part of historic train trestle in Portland
The span, which is visible from Interstate 295, has been eyed by both trail and rail advocates but has fallen into ‘critical’ condition after being damaged by fire in 1984, according to the state.
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Posted inMaine
Homelessness in Portland approaching record levels
The increased numbers come as efforts to create more temporary and permanent shelter space remain in flux.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools and Education
Portland approves USM’s $100 million plan for dorm, student center
The Planning Board voted unanimously in favor of the project on Tuesday night.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
City says it won’t enforce emergency wage for Portland workers until 2022
Officials’ interpretation of the minimum wage ordinance approved by 62% of voters last week runs contrary to organizers’ intent, their attorney says.
Posted inLocal Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Progressive wave sweeps through Portland election
Portland is a Democratic stronghold, but progressives have had trouble advancing their policies through the City Council. This time they took it straight to the voters and won.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Sixty small-business owners oppose Portland minimum wage initiative
The group includes some who support a gradual increase to $15 an hour but oppose a hazard pay provision that could give Portland the highest minimum wage in the country.
Posted inElection 2020, Elections, Local Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Portland mayor and most councilors announce opposition to 5 referendum questions
Every councilor except Pious Ali is opposing the ballot questions drafted by Southern Maine Democratic Socialists of America, but all are silent on a 6th proposal, to lift a cap on marijuana stores in the city.
Posted inLocal Elections, Maine
Portland voters asked to strengthen facial surveillance ban
Question B on the city ballot would add enforcement provisions – including a private right of action for people to sue the city – to an existing prohibition on city employees using facial recognition technology.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland’s new racial equity panel gets to work on policy review
The Racial Equity Steering Committee begins an examination of public safety, community partnerships and other policies that disproportionately affect people of color in Maine’s largest city.